MagLev turntable

[Hdale85]

Not sure if anyone has seen this yet but thought it was pretty neat and the price not too bad. There is a video int he updates section of the page showing how it sounds when playing as well. I don't hear any noise or anything from the magnets and it seems very smooth in regards to playback.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/245727224/mag-lev-audio-the-first-levitating-turntable/updates

[Alaric]

Looks like a good idea, in theory. I have to wonder about wow and flutter, though.

[Kevin P]

Uber cool! I want one.

Depending on how many coils there are in the maglev/platter turning system and the mass of the platter, there should be virtually no vibration or speed fluctuations. There are no bearings to transmit vibration, so it should be well isolated compared to a traditional table. Wow and flutter should be minimal as well, depending on the quality of the record (warps or off-center pressings would obviously have issues in this regard as with any table). Vibrations may affect it though--in the video, the platter wobbled a bit after being touched. I would guess the platter is magnetically shielded so the magnetic field fluctuations aren't picked up by the coils in the cartridge.

EDIT: They thought of everything too. It has a built-in battery backup so if the power fails while playing a record, it will lift the tonearm and raise the platter feet so your record, platter, cartridge or stylus isn't damaged.

[Alaric]

I still worry about stability on both axis, lateral and vertical. Seems like a good idea, but I'd like to see a real review.

[Hdale85]

Looking at the videos and such it looks incredibly stable and smooth. They said once they get a production unit they are going to send it to a real reviewer.

[wkhanna]

VPI has a mag drive TT......the Titon.....at around $60k:E

regarding wow & flutter.......my concern right off the bat would be HVAC induced issues or a stiff breeze thru a nearby open window....

overall, the price is quite reasonable, imho, seeing as how you get a Project arm & from the vids, the build quality on these prototypes looks decent.

then again, getting a prototype into full production while maintaining quality is what sorts the chaff from the wheat.

[Hdale85]

Well they show how much it moves from smacking it with a finger, so I'm not sure a light breeze would do much to it. It honestly looks pretty dang stable.

And yeah that 60k dollar unit not in my budget.....lol

[wkhanna]

Well they show how much it moves from smacking it with a finger, so I'm not sure a light breeze would do much to it.

keep in mind that with any turn table, speed stability is of utmost importance.
the analog equivalent to digital's jitter, if you will...

also, any bumps or environmental inputs which cause movement will have an affect on tacking ability.

[wkhanna]

all i want to do right now is grab the platter & see if the plinth starts rotating.....:W

:jawdrop:

[Alaric]

keep in mind that with any turn table, speed stability is of utmost importance.
the analog equivalent to digital's jitter, if you will...

also, any bumps or environmental inputs which cause movement will have an affect on tacking ability.

Those were my thoughts. Visible movement from whacking it with a digit will obviously ruin your record, but any movement outside a constant 33 1/3 RPM will be audible as reduced sound quality. The basic concept of a disc with grooves in it may be old tech, but done properly, the stylus' path through those grooves can be precise enough to be near magical. That same precision will reward clumsiness of execution with the audio equivalent of a cheap cassette tape in a $20 tape recorder.

OK, I've waxed poetic enough. I'm sure the concept is solid, but the execution will be subject to scrutiny by some of the pickiest people on Earth-audiophiles with vinyl. If the MagLev can get the benefits of the technology, and clear the hurdles it presents for a reasonable price, they'll have something special on their hands. It's been a while since something in turntables was exciting, besides the price!

[Kevin P]

all i want to do right now is grab the platter & see if the plinth starts rotating.....:W

:rofl: Put the turntable on a rotating platter like a lazy susan and I bet it would.

Now you gave me a crazy idea. A turntable where the platter is stationary and the plinth/tonearm rotates. That would be a sight to see.

A transparent dust cover would solve any issues from stray digits/breezes.

[wkhanna]

hurry up & patent that idea.

[Kevin P]

Prototype Rotating-Plinth Turntable Test #1: First test was successful, but I had to remove the cords and untwist them after playing a record. :lol:

[wkhanna]

yep, i was a little worried about plugging it into the wall...:rollhead: :huh:

[Burke Strickland]

First test was successful, but I had to remove the cords and untwist them after playing a record.

Big batteries built into the plinth could take care of that. :>)

[wkhanna]

i wonder if i could throw a clay pot with thing?

[Kevin P]

Big batteries built into the plinth could take care of that. :>)

And a preamp with Bluetooth, or built in speakers?

[Alaric]

And a preamp with Bluetooth, or built in speakers?

And Netflix! I wish I had transportation during my vacation. I'll be in your neck of the woods from the 5th to the 15th this month. Sort of. I'll be in the Columbia area.